The Royal Guard of Thailand is the security force of the Royal Thai Armed Forces and is responsible for guarding the Thai Royal Family. So, what is the little-known history of this royal armed force that is active in the Asian military arena? This article will be interpreted with you today.
Historically, the Royal Guard was established by King Chulalongkorn of Thailand in 1859, more than 160 years ago, and Chulalongkorn was still the crown prince at that time. Originally, the Royal Guard was only a servant for duties such as scaring crows, so much so that the commoners referred to it as "Mahat Lek Lai Ka", roughly translated as "Scarecrow Legion" Chinese.
In 1868, after Chulalongkorn's succession, he formed a 24-man Royal Guard, known as the "Thahan Song Lo", which translates to Chinese is 24 soldiers. In 1870, the Royal Guard regiment was named the "King's Guard" and its duty was to escort the king on a tour throughout the country.
In 1875, a number of royal bodyguard officers formed a special company called the "Military Engineering Company of royal bodyguards" to oversee the renovation of Bangkok's cityscape, with Mr. James McCarthy as captain of the company. On September 3, 1885, Thailand issued a royal decree separating the engineering company from the royal bodyguards and establishing the Royal Investigation Department, now the Royal Thai Investigation Agency, which is subordinate to the headquarters of the Royal Thai Armed Forces.
Thailand's Royal Guard is now not only the protector of the Thai royal family, but also a beautiful landscape of Thailand. They wear colorful dresses and are known as the "Rainbow Guards". The Rainbow Guard is organized as follows:
The 1st Infantry Regiment, tasked with the King's bodyguards. Dressed in red dresses, they are indispensable to the king's coronation ceremony or the funeral of a member of the royal family.
The 3rd Battalion of the 1st Infantry Regiment, dressed in a white dress and wearing a pink hat.
11th Infantry Regiment, King's Guard.
21st Infantry Regiment, Queen's Guard. The picture shows the coat of arms of the 21st Infantry Regiment.
31st Infantry Regiment, King's Guard.
The 1st Artillery Battalion, the King's Guard, is generally responsible for firing 21 salutes for royal ceremonies. They wear yellow dresses, which Thais believe often represent radiance and trust.
1st Cavalry Squadron, King's Guard. Wearing a blue dress, Thais believe that blue represents peace, tranquility and ideals.
1st Engineering Battalion, King's Guard.
1st Marine Battalion, King's Guard. He wears a yellow dress top and black pants.
1st Security Battalion, King's Guard. He wears a pink dress top and blue pants.
2nd Infantry Battalion, 11th Infantry Regiment, King's Guard. He wears a blue dress top and black pants.
Naval Cadet Regiment, King's Guard. Wearing a navy blue dress.
Air Force Cadet Regiment, King's Guard. He wears a sky blue dress top and dark blue pants.
The flag of the Royal Guard of Thailand is mainly used by the 1st Infantry Regiment.